Trekking in Karnataka

1. Baba Budangiri Trek: Situated at an elevation of 6,217 ft, the Baba Budangiri is a part of the Dattagiri range situated in the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats are known for their scenic value, the greenery and cool weather.

Baba Budangiri is a fantastic destination for trekking as it provides for a moderately easy trek. Interestingly, the entire Dattagiri range forms the shape of a crescent of the moon and is hence also known as Chandradrona Parvatha Shreni.

You may also come across the beautiful Manikyadhara Falls during your trek. The Karnataka Trekking offers some of the highest peaks in the country such as The Dattagiri range. The remarkable fact about the Dattagiri range is that its wild flower called kurinji which blooms only once in 12 years.

Location: Chikkamagaluru

Distance from Bangalore: 280 Kms

Best Season: November to February

Trek length: 10 Kms

Difficulty Level: Easy

2. Pushpagiri Trek: Pushpagiri or Kumaraparvata is the second highest peak in Coorg district. Nested in the northern side of Coorg, Pushpagiri trek is located in proximity to neighboring towns of Somwarpet and Kumaralli. The trek to the top is a fun challenge which might get a bit challenging in between.

One can scale this stunning peak through either of the two rates. For ardent trekkers – eastern entrance through Beedehalli is the most ideal route. While for an observant trekker, who wish to immerse in every bit of the surrounding nature, route passing through the check post of Somwarpet Wildlife Range is the most perfect trail. The tropical climate and the humble locals make trekking all the more pleasurable here!

Best Season: Throughout the year

Trek Length: 12km (Uphill), 15km (Downhill)

Distance from Bangalore: 275km (approx.)

Difficulty Level: Easy

3. Madhugiri Trek: Madhugiri trekking trail is an interesting, challenging and adventurous trail and if you are someone who is enthusiastic about trekking and ready for challenges, this is the perfect trail for you.

This huge monolith, surrounded by scenic natural beauty, lies in the Tumkur district of Karnataka and is one of the most popular destinations for treks around Bangalore. With an intimidating size, this mountain is a favourite among adventure enthusiasts. Madhugiri is Asia’s second largest monolith and has an elevation of 2,582 feet.

On the peak, you will find the ruined Gopal krishna Temple and a fort built by the erstwhile Sultan of Mysore, Hyder Ali.

Thrillophilia facilitates a safe trek across Madhugiri. For the more adventurous, Thrillophilia also arranges night treks across the great monolith. Thrillophilia, however, doesn’t recommend this destination during summers as the heat and atmosphere are not healthy and conducive.

Location: Madhugiri

Distance from Bangalore: 107 Kms

Best Season: November to February

Trek length: 3 Kms

Difficulty Level: Easy

4. Bheemeshwari Trek: Situated between three waterfalls and the River Cauvery, Bheemeshwari is another popular trekking destination in Karnataka. Exquisite natural beauty and the glistening river are sure to rejuvenate your mind and body and relieve you of all stress and tensions.

The adventure packages designed by the Thrillophilia team ensure that you enjoy a walk through this beautiful place without facing any hurdles and reach the destination safe and sound.

Spot rare birds and revel in the natural beauty of Bheemeshwari as you tread across its rugged terrain. Brace yourself with a strong pair of hiking shoes and hiking poles are you are ready for your conquest! This trek will need you to cross the river in a pretty little coracle across the placid waters of the River Cauvery.

The Thrillophilia team will take care of all necessary permissions from the Forest Department for a trek across Muthathi. Although, swimming is prohibited in the Muthathi Lake but Thrillophilia plans enough activities to compensate for this loss.

Thrillophilia also plans for adventure activities such as kayaking, pool kayaking, rafting, obstacle courses, crossing the Burma Bridge etc exclusively for you to ensure that you enjoy to your fullest and make most of Karnataka trekking.

Location: Bheemeshwari

Distance from Bangalore: 105 Kms

Best Season: November to February

Trek length: 5 Kms

Difficulty Level: Easy

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1. Kudremukh Trek: The Kudremukh hills of Karnataka boast of indescribable beauty. The peak, which resembles the mouth of a horse, has an elevation of 6, 214 feet.

Situated amidst indescribable scenic splendour, Kudremukh offers a fabulous terrain for trekking which makes it a popular destination among trekkers. Get a fantastic view of the surroundings as you gain altitude.

The pleasant surroundings and the soothing cool weather make the whole experience enjoyable. Spot beautiful birds and, if lucky, some wild animals in their natural habitat and lose yourself in the natural splendour of the surroundings.

Location: Chikmagalur

Distance from Bangalore: 340 Kms

Best Season: November to February

Trek length: 20 Kms

Difficulty Level: Difficult

2. Kodachadri Trek: The Kodachadri peak is situated at an elevation of 1,343 metres and is a popular pilgrimage destination as the famous Mookambika Temple is situated here. Covered by dense forests, Kodachadri presents a difficult but extremely beautiful trekking trail that has waterfalls, luxuriant vegetation and diverse wildlife.

About 10 kms from Kodachadri, you will come across the Hidlumane falls. A little further ahead are the Arasinagundi and Bellakallu Theertha falls.

On treading further ahead, for about 25 kms from Kodachadri, you will come across the Nagara Fort. Such diverse terrain makes Kodachadri the favourite destination of trekkers in Karnataka.

Thrillophilia adds to the excitement with its unique and fun filled activities. You can enjoy a monsoon trek; stay in bamboo huts or at the Forest IB through your booking with Thrillophilia.

If you are an adventure sports enthusiast, Thrillophilia brings you opportunities for jumaring and high rope traversing in the beautiful hills of Kodachadri.

Location: Shimoga

Distance from Bangalore: 414 Kms

Best Season: November to February

Trek length: 12 Kms

Difficulty Level: Medium

3. Narasimha Parvata Trek: Crowned as the tallest peak in the Agumbe range of Western Ghats, Narsimha Parvatha offers lofty pleasures. Around 350kms from Bangalore, this trek would take you around 10 hours over two days.

Expect to ramble through jungles and open grassy patches of hills. Also lap up the divine sight of mesmerising sunset turning the sky into stunning colours. When on this trek you can also pay a visit to Barkana Falls.

4. Dudhsagar Trek: Favoured among many trekkers, this is the very trail that leads you to the magical cascade that appears like milk gushing down. Plonked on the Mandovi River, Goa, the Dudhsagar Trek entails covering 8 hours and 14 km.

Accompanying you along the way are deep jungles, steep surfaces, jagged and narrow terrains and several other delights. The level of this activity falls under the challenging category.

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1. Nishani Motte Coorg: Nishani mountain ranges might be still unknown to majority of visitors but is certainly a potential destination for trekking near Bangalore. Located in the Western Ghats of Coorg, this spell-bounding mountain ranges sprawls across Bangamandala in Southern Coorg and extends till Northern side of the Coorg.

Nishani Motte crowned at an altitude of around 4100ft is one of the most fascinating mountain ranges for trekking near Bangalore. Explore the magic of Coorg while making your way through some fascinating trails. These continuous mountain ranges also form a provisional natural boundary, separating Kerala and Karnataka. The trek follows a gradual trail, offering slight challenges while ascending to the top. Enjoy the spell of misty mountains and lush-green thickets from the top. Discover the natural aura of this entire place while making your way through picturesque landscapes of Coorg

Best Season: Monsoons

Trek Length: 15km (approx.)

Distance from Bangalore: 250km (approx.)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

2. Mullayanagiri Trek: The highest peak between Nilgiris and Western Ghats, Mullayanagiri is a treat for trekkers indeed. As you make your ascend, enjoy the cool and sweet breeze envelop you. Also get to unravel small caves placed below the peak, and catch a glimpse of statues of Nandi. You would require around 2 days to cover about 7km and 10 hours of trekking. The difficulty level ranges from difficult to moderate.

3. Kanoor Kote Trek: Resting in the stunning Sharavathy Reserved Forest in Shimoga, Kanoor Kote delights with history and nature's bounties. Of an easy level, the activity would take you about 10 km spread over two days. Have the pleasure of coming across different terrains and also get to witness the ruins of the ancient Kanoor Kote Fort near the peak. The fortress was once the gem of the Havyaka Culture.

4. Kemmanagundi Trek: Set off to Kemmanagundi, that enchants with it being surrounded by Baba Budan Giri Range and Western Ghats' splendour. This trek would take around 12 hours and cover 20 km. While on the trail, lap up the sights of high hills, gurgling brooks, vast coffee estates, gushing waterfalls and pretty gardens in the midst of verdant forests.

5. Ombattu Gudda Trek: Amongst the highest peaks of the Western Range, Ombattu Gudda meaning 9 hills is a sight to behold. Ideal for those who are up for a challenge, this trek would comprise 18km over two days. Placed on the borderline of Chikmagalur and Hassan, the activity opens up many beauties along the way.

6. Kotebetta Trek: Elevated at an impressive height of around 5400ft, Kotebetta is the third highest peak in the Coorg region. Situated around 22km from Madikeri, the trek begins from a tiny hamlet Hattihole. The initial phase of your trek takes you through a stunning pathway with Hattihole River on one side and lush greenery on the other side of the trail.

Make your way through coffee estates leading you to the forest. Delight in the sweet chirpings of beautiful birds all through the trek. Seek blessings of Lord Shiva, at the temple on the peak. Delight in the beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Enjoy a spectacular view of sun setting behind these glorious ranges. You can also camp under starry sky, if you wish to spend some more time in this slice of paradise

Best Season: October - March

Trek Length: 10km (approx.)

Distance from Bangalore: 275km (approx.)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

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